NEVER order from bariatriceating.com!

I am going to cross-post this in a few forums, since whether we are pre-op or post-op, this is relevant to us all.

We all know the commitment that goes into having WLS.  

Time-wise:Numerous appointments (an informational seminar, an endoscopy, an exercise test, a psychiatric evaluation, surgeon appointments, nutrition classes for 3 or 6 months, pre-op testing, EKG, a full physical) and sometimes more!

Then, you have to take a week or two or more off of work for the actual surgery.

Money-wise: Eating a healthy high protein diet is NOT cheap.  Shakes are costly, and we often have to try numerous brands and flavors to find shakes we like.  Lean meat is significantly more expensive than processed carbs.  My insurance only covered 90% so I had to pay $1,200 before I even had the procedure.

I have to just tell you about the terrible experience I have had with bariatriceating.com.  This is a personal experience, and some of you may say "I love them" but if you plan to order from this site, I want you to go in with eyes wide open.  I have ordered protein drinks and powders from GNC, Amazon, and bariatriceating.com.  Well I just got a package from bariatriceating.com and realized I didn't want/need the powder I had ordered.  I asked for a return shipping address so I can send it back.  I figured I would have to pay return shipping and I was willing to do so.  However, I receieve this reply:

"Your order of protein was $71.00. You will pay $10 in shipping to return it. Then we’ll deduct 25% restocking; $18. You will only receive back $43."

I have never heard of a 25% restocking fee.  Not even for electronics.  This is highway robbery, in my opinion.  I have returned protein powder to amazon and there was no restocking fee at all.  I wanted to share this story so you would all avoid having this same experience happen.  WLS is hard enough without having a company rip you off.  

Sorry that you weren't aware of their return policy before you placed your order.  I definitely have heard of a restocking fee for all sorts of products. I've been burned before, so now I make sure to review the return policy of any company I place an order with.

I usually stick to the more well known companies unless the new company's return policy is generous.

I have never ordered from Bariatric Eating. I have had super experiences with Diet Direct, and Bariatric Choice, both on line suppliers, with mail order catalogs. Although I have never tried to return anything to these companies, it would be wise to ask in advance of ordering what their return policy is. I like their special sales, free shipping if ordering over $49.00, and bulk pricing. Their on line sale updates are good reminders for me to replenish my protein, calcium and maintain a good healthy protein intake.

Reading your posts on the other forums, it seems like this company has a very bad reputation. Thanks for posting about them!

Thanks for the warning.  I only order from Vitalady.  She used to have free shipping on orders over $300.  Now it's a flat $4.95 for every amount.  I used to save up my order and only order when I got above $300, but now I don't have to.

Vitalady has samples of every protein drink I think you can possibly buy, except for of course the Walmart type brands. 

My favorite, Champion Whey Stack, reformulated their chocolate so it's no good anymore.  So I switched to Optimum Nutrition Rich Chocolate.  I've been using chocolate protein in my coffee now for 3 years.